It’s Impossible Not To Love The Most Eccentric Town In Pennsylvania, Mars
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 30, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Pennsylvania’s many small towns all have their own personalities and characteristics that draw visitors from all over the state and beyond. Some, however, are more eccentric than others. Take the charming town of Mars as an example. It fully embraces its otherworldly name, putting it in the running for the most eccentric town in Pennsylvania.
You don’t have to travel millions of miles to meet some of the friendliest Martians in the universe; you just have to drive about half an hour outside of Pittsburgh until you arrive in…
How Mars really got its name is debatable, even among townspeople. Once called Marshall, after a man of the same name, the town eventually dropped the "hall" from its name. Some say it’s because the man Marshall loved Mars so much it was just natural to change the name.
Others believe that townspeople merely simplified it by calling it Mars. Whatever the true story, no one can deny that Mars and the friendly and welcoming Martians who live there fully embrace their planetary namesake.
If you need any proof of that, stroll to the center of town, where you’ll see a replica spaceship. Snap photos alongside it, just like others who have visited before you.
Another fun way to commemorate your visit is to buy a postcard, head to the post office, and mail it to yourself or to others. After all, there’s nowhere else on the planet where you can send mail with a postmark from “Mars.”
Mars also hosts a celebration of the Mars New Year, which is celebrated every 687 days. The celebration is filled with family-friendly activities, including speakers from NASA and a Mars costume contest.
Would you agree that Mars is the most eccentric town in Pennsylvania? If not, which town do you think fits the bill? Let us know in the comments! Pennsylvania is home to some amazing small towns, including the enchanting town of Doylestown.
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